Stalking

Stalking can happen to anyone. ​The majority of stalking takes place between people who have known each other intimately. Initially, stalking will unusually take the form of annoying, threatening, or obscene phone calls; electronic communication; text messages or letters. Stalkers may conduct surveillance of the victim, often following every move they make with the help of technology. A victim can be stalked for days, weeks or even years.

Action steps for safety

Avoid personal contact. Treat the stalker as if they are extremely dangerous. Should they confront or threaten you, put distance between yourself and the stalker. Contact police and get away as soon as you can.

Inform people. Tell family, friends, co-workers and others in your life what’s going on. Give them the stalker’s name and description, and ask them not to disclose your information.

Be aware. Be aware of anyone following you to and from work or home. Before you leave work, ask a security guard or co-worker to escort you to your car.

Get a PO Box. Utilize a private mail box service to receive all personal mail. For those places that will not accept a post office box, change "P.O. Box" to "Apartment."

Obtain protection. Think about getting a protection order or disorderly conduct restraining order telling the stalker to stay away from you.

Tell people at work. Notify your supervisor, security director and receptionist at work about your situation. Provide them with suspect information. If a Restraining or Protective Order exists, leave an extra copy at your work place.

Trust your instincts. Sometimes you may want to ignore what's happening, or to downplay and minimize the situation. The fact that you are uncomfortable or afraid is enough to take action to be safer.

Get help and support. Head for the nearest well-populated area if you feel in danger or are being followed. Contact the police if you feel threatened or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Do not go home. Retain all evidence. When the stalker follows you or contacts you, write down the time, date, and place. Keep e-mails, phone messages, letters, or notes. Photograph anything of yours the stalker damages and any injuries the stalker causes. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw. Request copies of police reports.

Remove identification. Remove home address on personal checks. Keep a list of who may need to have your contact information. Change online passwords often.